Andria Tupola on Welfare & Poverty

Ohana Zones: state-sanctioned safe zones for the homeless

A: Yes. I support Ohana Zones as long as these zones have a leader, relationships of trust, strict guidelines, rehabilitation and transition programs, and community support. Without these requirements, any public funding towards homeless initiatives should be focused on proven and effective solutions.

Clearinghouse for decentralized solutions on homelessness

A: As the problem of homelessness in our state is one of geographically and socioeconomically disparate populations, the state government should serve as a central clearinghouse for a policy of decentralized solutions. Regionally specific approaches should be adopted in conjunction with the current individual needs-assessment approach.

In short, we need to engage, empower, and educate. We need to engage the community by assembling regional teams on each island to include a combination of nonprofits, county and state officials, law enforcement, community organizations, and the homeless themselves. We need to empower the homeless population to better their current situation by evaluating the unique needs of individuals. We need to educate those who are recently housed to prevent them from returning to be homeless.

Increase affordable housing by tax cuts & fewer regulations

A: To increase affordable housing for the middle class, we must first must decrease the cost of living in order for those receiving a median income or below to not only survive, but thrive here. Every individual or family deserves the opportunity to have a fighting chance to purchase a home of their own instead of sinking their hard-earned income into sky-high rental bills each month if they choose. I will prioritize decreasing taxes so that individuals and families can utilize their income more effectively to improve their quality of life. I will increase support for local developers and local jobs so that more dollars can stay here and stimulate our economic growth and sustainability. To increase our supply, I will work toward reducing the burdensome permit waiting period for developers, which will allow building to occur more quickly.